Monday, July 18, 2011

MTA5K to ACH

Yes, the logo looks like an 80's ski genre movie poster complete with snow and egg yolk sun. What's uncanny is that there is still snow on Mt A race your Co RD looks like she just rolled off the screen of Hot Dog or Ski Patrol but definitely not 2009's Hot Tub Time Machine, that was too good a movie.

Jenn Shelton carving turns on MT A last week.

What I'm really talking about if you've followed me this far is the upcoming Mt A 5K. It's a benefit run for Jefferson Public Radio and is put on by store employees Jenn Shelton and Maya Nerenberg. Sorry, Jenn doesn't actually work at the store she just takes GU's from it like she does.

This is the inaugural event and by all standards it shouldn't even make it off the ground. But from what I've heard there's a keg at the finish, prizes for just about every finisher, a premium for first man and woman to the summit (you must ring the bell), and word is a new Hyundai will be raffled off. OK, so I'm not so sure about that last one.

One thing I do know is that the event will be a great tune up for the upcoming Mt Ashland Hillclimb Run some two weeks later and will give competitors an idea about the best way to approach the summit.

I feel this race is pretty extreme and although I scoffed at the idea months ago or rather the hypothetical proposition of such said event I am happy to see it gaining steam under the watchful eye of two incomparably capable race directors .It's amazing what, most likely, initiative and motivation can accomplish. Perhaps you too will turn out Saturday and see what you've got stored.

This was not the "friendly" race as it was promoted. I wish I had seen this blog before attending. This was a rude race. This sounds harsh I know but this was a race put on by two little girls playing at race directors. It seemed that they were more about short dresses that showed off their pink panties and giant teddy bear prizes than they were for the wellbeing and safety of the participants. This race had a "surprise" for the participants that consisted of a very steep incline and about half way up had no trail requiring participants to "scramble" up the incline on loose rocks. There was no help or aid stationed anywhere on this scramble. At the very top were two individuals offering juice, water, or alcohol. When asked if they had medical training they said no. One older gentleman was very upset by the "surprise" and stated he had balance issues. He responded "what the hell were those idiots going to do if I fell? Offer me a shot!!! Further along the course was very friendly indeed. Beautiful gentle downhill run. However not one aid station or volunteer to be seen for the over 2 mile downhill. When crossing the finish line someone asked if there was any medical help available and they were told "no". And I for one did not receive my damn hug at the finish as promised. I sincerely hope these little girls, playing dress up race directors, stick it out next year and live up to their promises. I for one would love to run this again but not if it means risking peoples health and lives. Many people went home refusing to participate. You have some things to prove and make up for next year ladies.

I think you said it best when you wrote, I should've read about it first. There is accountability on the part of the participant, and not all 5k's are created equal.

However, finding the time to call someone out on their attire seems overly critical and next time I hope you can find the beauty in the race and not worry so much about what people are wearing at the event.

I did read about this race. I read about the race on the flyer that was handed out. It describe a race that went up 1/2 mile and a 2.6 downhill. No where was there a noted scramble or description of the terrain. If this race was intended for certain types of runners then the flyers needed to notify the public of this. The flyers were misleading at best. It seems that I am not the only one distracted by the clothes as hk did not address any concern for participants or the comment regarding the poor man who had balance issues. Yes this blog was harsh and some would say rude, but so was your handling of the race. I do appreciate the beauty of running...I appreciate it for ALL levels of runners. Yes this was "just a 5K" but it was an advance level 5K and no where on the flyer was this stated. As a matter of fact the flyer,in my opinion, was intentionally misleading. You did not even care that people refused to participate. Maybe this needs to be approached as a party for all Ashland elite runners. As a race director it seems you would show some concern for the participants. Question: what would you have done if the gentleman had fallen or the lady who had a severe asthma attack on the middle of the incline stopped breathing, or the diabetic experienced a low blood sugar on the middle of that mountain and started having seizures? Yes everyone needs to take responsibility for their health but they can't do that if they are not informed ahead of time what they are signing up for.

well done ladies! this friendly event was well organized and certainly helpful in supporting JPR. Those two educated, knowledgeable ladies succeeded in creating a friendly atmosphere for a community supported cause. It didnt seem as if anyone participating risked their "health or lives", that is a bit dramatic, and most would suggest to anyone with health issues that would occur due to the event to simply not attend. As far as attire, it is very hard to distinguish running garments from regular undergarments and it should be easy to understand that for people pushing their bodies to the limit that less is more. Had the older gentleman wanted a shot, he could have gotten one, but it was clearly stated that orange juice and water were available, he answered his own question. Friendly people with friendly dispositions enjoyed themselves.

Great job to Jenn and Maya on a fun and well put on race. The course was starting at Mt Ashland, flier or not how does anyone think this would be slightly hard. If I knew I had a medical condition I would not have come. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful course. I appreciated a shorter distance for people to be able to enjoy the view. Also, being one of the winners of the giant teddy bear - it was one of the best race prizes ever! My 3 year old loves it.Thanks again ladies, awesome job! Can't wait to do it next year.MercyP.S. Pink panties rock!

I was one of the volunteers at the top of the climb you mentioned and I have no recollection of being asked by any participants if I had medical training. Your statement is completely false. And, if you must know, I am certified by the Red Cross in Medford for CPR and First Aid.

I offered hugs at the top of the hill to most folks but I guess you missed that offer or weren't interested. Your loss, since it does seem that you really need to get a lot more hugs.

I can't wait to do this run next year! I'm bummed I missed the hugs and sounds to me like they should probably be mandatory as we have some participants in serious need of love and attention. Kudos to Jenn and Maya for all your effort and creativity!

@ doesntlikerudesurprises,You sound like a road runner. Although I didn't run the race as I'm not local to the area, it sounds like the girls showing off the pink panties was the the "aid". I know it would be for me. And the alcohol could be considered "medical help". An aid station on a downhill the last two miles of a 5k? Really? What for? Maybe next time the girls in the pink panties can hike up and throw down some mortar on that loose rock scramble for ya to firm it up. I'd pay to see that show! ... I love to read the writings of the chronically miserable :)

I feel like the race was very well put together and even though I'm new to running races and have never done this run before I felt like the website did an excellent job of letting me know just how hard the first 1/2 mile would be. If I hadn't read the website and signed up without any research I would have been surprised at the steep incline......however then it's MY choice whether I want to climb it or not. I will definitely be doing this race again and thought the race directors did a great job! Especially considering they had way more people sign up than they initially thought. The truckers hats were awesome and the goodie bags had some cool stuff in it. Keep it up ladies! I'll be back next year!